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Topeka, Kansas

Located in Shawnee County, Kansas, Topeka was established in 1854. Brown v. Board of Education, one of the most important Supreme Court cases ever, originated in Topeka. Topeka was founded by abolitionists during 'Bleeding Kansas.'.
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Founded 1854 | Population 126,000 | Peak 126,000 (2024) | County Shawnee County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Topeka, Kansas

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1854 Founded by Abolitionists: Free-State settlers found Topeka during Bleeding Kansas.
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1861 State Capital: Kansas enters Union as free state; Topeka is capital.
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1954 Brown v. Board of Education: Supreme Court case originating from Topeka ends school segregation. Landmark civil rights victory.
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1966 Tornado Devastates City: F5 tornado kills 16 and damages 800 homes.
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1999 Brown v Board Historic Site: Monroe Elementary designated National Historic Site.
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Latest News in Topeka

Jan 1, 1970
Walmart Employee Turns Lost 350 he Found Parking Lot Pays Price
BENTONVILLE, Arkansas — On a routine shift in May 2016, a Walmart employee made a choice that seemed straightforward at the time…

Complete Historical Timeline

1854 Politics
Founded by Abolitionists
1861 Government
State Capital
1954 Civil Rights
Brown v. Board of Education
1966 Disaster
Tornado Devastates City
1999 Civil Rights
Brown v Board Historic Site

Did You Know?

1
Brown v. Board of Education, one of the most important Supreme Court cases ever, originated in Topeka.
2
Topeka was founded by abolitionists during 'Bleeding Kansas.'.
3
Monroe Elementary, where the Brown case originated, is now a National Historic Site.
4
Topeka is located in Shawnee County, Kansas.
5
Topeka was founded in 1854.

Famous People from Topeka, Kansas

AB
Annette Bening
Actor, Stage Actor · Born May 29, 1958 · Age 67
CC
Charles Curtis
Lawyer, Politician · Born Jan 25, 1860 · Died Feb 8, 1936 (age 76)
GB
Gwendolyn Brooks
Writer, Teacher · Born Jun 7, 1917 · Died Dec 3, 2000 (age 83)
GB
Gregg Binkley
Actor, Television Actor · Born Mar 20, 1963 · Age 62
PR
Pat Roberts
Politician, Military Officer · Born Apr 20, 1936 · Age 89

Other Cities in Kansas

View all Kansas cities →
W
Wichita
Pop. 397,532
OP
Overland Park
Pop. 205,413
KC
Kansas City
Pop. 156,977
O
Olathe
Pop. 152,772
L
Lawrence
Pop. 100,000
S
Shawnee
Pop. 70,000
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